Bike help

ive used shimano SPDs and shimano road pedals and also the look keo pedals (similar to the shimano road pedals).  the shimano SPD shoes are easier to walk around in and are usually used for mountain bikes - the shoes i have for these have laces and look like normal shoes.  the road type pedals from shimano and look are harder to walk around in - the cleat sticks out from the bottom of the shoe - and i feel like they clip in more securely to the pedal.  i like the road type better and use those on my road and tri bike.  the one downside is you can only clip in on one side of the pedal, which takes some getting used to at first.

there are also speedplays which you can clip in on both sides of the pedal and (although i have never used them) i assume are comparable to the look keos. 

if i were starting over again id buy some look keos and skip the SPDs.  also be prepared to fall over at least once, it happens to everyone so dont worry.  ive fallen 3 times on account of clipless pedals - but now if i try to ride a bike without clipless pedals ill find my feet separating from the pedal on the upstroke and it just feels uncomfortable.

I've used Look, Shimano SPD, and Speedplay. Right now I use Speedplay on the road, and Shimano SPD off-road.

For years, I raced (USCF bike racing) on Shimano SPDs with light touring shoes. Same cleat as the off-road SPDs. I have a pair of Pearl Izumi road shoes with the Shimano SPD cleats that I used in spin classes, and I've used them on the road on occasion.

Road Speedplay does not lend itself to walking any appreciable distance (even with the Cafe Covers).

If you're looking for something that's usable for both, I'd say the Shimano SPDs give you the most versatility.

What about eggbeaters?

I have the eggbeaters on my MTB (came with it) and I like them for the MTB as they are easy to get in and out of. I can yank my foot out before crashing in a real big hurry if I need to.

However I wouldn't use them on a road or tri bike. They don't keep my foot secure enough and I don't feel like I transfer as much power with them.

I have a set of Shimano SPD's and they sit in the closet. I have the Look Keo's on my tri bike and I love them!

I went from SPD to speedplay and it helped my knee with the extra float. Love speedplay.

Cheers,

Chad

For cross/mtb I ride mtb pedals/shoes and for road/tri bike road or tri shoes/road pedals.

My husband got a pair of Shimano tri shoes that have both mtb and road cleat systems place to attach your cleats. You may want to find shoes like that and buy some cheep MTB pedals for now (look at probikekit.com and some are about $30) and then get road pedals when you get road/tri bike and only need to get the pedals not new shoes.

I like Shimano mtb and road pedals. Like saddles there is a different opinion from folks as we are all unique. Do you need a lot of float or not? Hard to know from the internet.

This is exactly my story as well.  I'm happy with the SPD cleats and mountain type shoes.  My shoes have the laces and a velcro strap.  I have the laces loose enough that only the velcro strap is needed.